Shoppers and traders can look forward to "the Meadowhall of markets" when the new St John's Market opens in Scunthorpe town centre later this month, according to the company which is creating the facility.

A list of businesses which will operate from the market has been released by North Lincolnshire Council as contractors are making the final installations in the £4 million transformation of the former BHS building in the Parishes shopping centre.

Scunthorpe Live was given a tour of the site as work continues ahead of the opening on Friday, March 22, when the market will relocate from its existing premises on Market Hill.

The relocation of the market has proved controversial and led to opposition from some traders and shoppers, although bosses at contractor Interserve say they have worked with businesses that will be at the new site to meet their needs.

Amy Watson, the site manager and client liaison officer for Interserve, said: "Traders will see a big difference from the old market - we're hoping that this will be the Meadowhall of markets.

"The traders all seem very happy to be moving in. We've been working with traders to meet all the changes and queries they've asked for.

Mark Davidson, Amy Watson and Mark Needham from contractor Interserve, which is carrying out the transformation of the former BHS store in Scunthorpe into the new St John's Market (Image: David Haber/Scunthorpe Live)

"It's not a case of one-size-fits-all, we've made the stalls bespoke depending on what the traders have asked for. We've really tried to listen to what they've said and make it right for them."

The upper floor will include a food court and 11 traders, with many more on the ground floor.

In addition to traders from the previous site on Market Hill, a number of new businesses will be joining the market.

Wendy Cooper, who will be moving her Pandora's Box stall into St John's Market, said: "I'm really looking forward to working in the market, which will be a great sense of community with other traders and the constant footfall with it being open plan in the units on both levels.

"St John's Market seemed to be the ideal opportunity for me as a sole trader. It's definitely going to be the destination place to shop in the Scunthorpe area. I’m looking forward to capitalising on all those new faces coming to shop with us."

A selection of stall units in the new St John's Market, which is due to open in Scunthorpe town centre on Friday, March 22 (Image: David Haber/Scunthorpe Live)

Richard Neilson from Bacon Charlies, which is also making the move, said: "By moving, there is a great opportunity to reach out to new and old customers, and give everyone a better environment.

"We're going to be in a more central position and I think the parking is very good and convenient.

"We had reservations when we moved [into Scunthorpe Market] in 1973 and this has been one of the best markets going for many years, so there is no reason why that can’t continue."

Site manager Amy said traders would start moving into the building from Monday to prepare for the grand opening.

She said: "It has been a very smooth build so far, we've got no worries about it being ready on time. We've had up to up to 100 tradespeople working at once, with around 50 currently putting the finishing touches to the building.

"The entire market will be around 2,500 square meters. It will have a smart ventilation system so it doesn't get too hot or too cold, which traders will find a difference from the old market.

The entrance to The Food Court at the new St John's Market in Scunthorpe (Image: David Haber/Scunthorpe Live)

"The traders on the first floor will begin moving in on Monday to prepare for the grand opening, with the traders downstairs on next Saturday."

The market will be open six days a week from 8am to 5pm, although the food court will have opening hours extended into the evening.

Councillor Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "We are pleased to announce that not only do we have traders moving over from Scunthorpe Market, we also have a number of new traders in the market and The Food Court.

"This is an exciting time for Scunthorpe town centre and the opening of the market will signify the direction we are going in to bring in more investment and boost the economy.

"The new market is a huge investment in Scunthorpe town centre and forms part of wider regeneration plans to transform the area.

"Sat in a prominent position in the town centre, it will attract more people into the market. Visitors will have a completely different experience to what they are used to from their local market."

The full list of traders who will be at St John's Market when it opens

The following new traders will be based in The Food Court at St John's Market

Sweet Treats

Emelia’s Bar

The Oasis

Burger Shack

Panini King

Ali’s Food Hut

Food 2 Go

Mark's Gluten Free Treats

Taran’s Nut Free Tiffin

New traders bringing their businesses to St John's Market are:

Jubilee Sweets

The Collectors Emporium

The Rug Stall

Alpha Building Plastics

Miller’s Mix

L&H Laser Crafts Ltd

Print Parrot

Smartstore UK

Pandora’s Box Babywear

SK Trends UK

Nappa’s Chilli Sauce

O’Keefe’s Emporium

Laura’s Sweet Occasions

Liquid Mist

Vinyl Jewels

Taylor’s Family Butchers

MB Smoking

TR Textiles

Businesses moving from the existing Scunthorpe Market to the new facility are: